DAVID Moffett has done a rapid about-turn in his views on Newport Gwent Dragons.

Within hours of the abrasive former Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive being appointed chief of Regional Rugby Wales Moffett was singing the praises of the Dragons.

Barely a month ago Moffett claimed in an interview that the Dragons were a basket case, speaking after the 50-point hiding against Munster and the lack of progress with the redeveloped stadium. But, in another classic gamekeeper turned poacher role, Moffett now says about one of the regions he is representing against his former employers: “I have seen the Dragons improve on the field and I know plans are afoot off the field.

“Since I made my comments I have spoken to Martyn Hazell at some length and they are rectifying the position, they are where they want to be and that is to the benefit of all four regions.

“For the first time all four are now pulling together, we have to make sure all four are strong and there does need to be that level of commitment in the Dragons.”

Moffett is still waiting to be contacted by the WRU chiefs in his new role while Wales coach Warren Gatland, yesterday officially named forwards coach of the British Lions in South Africa next year, is hoping the International Rugby Board may intervene and instruct the regions to release the squad players for training next week ahead of the game against South Africa on November 8.

He is so disillusioned about the situation that he has admitted he is even considering his position as Wales coach.

The WRU have so far made no comment on the shock appointment of Moffett and do not intend adding to what they said at the end of last week about trying to obtain the release of players.

Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell also declined to comment on the Moffett appointment other than to say he is now the regions’ official spokesman in their dispute with the WRU.